If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen cabinets and are confused about which cabinet to choose - custom or semi-custom, then this article is for you to find out why they are the right choice for your kitchen remodel.

Difference between Custom and Semi-Custom Cabinets

Custom Cabinets

Custom Cabinets are fully customizable according to the client’s needs rather than being mass-produced.

This means the customer possesses control over the material, design and size of their product to match their taste.

Durability: They are specially made for some specific space and are crafted by skilled cabinet makers ensuring durability and good quality providing a shelf life of more than 25 years.

Cost: They are expensive in comparison to Semi-Custom Cabinets as they are fully customized. They cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot on average.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets are pre-manufactured, ready-to-assemble cabinets with some customization (like different colors, hardware, finishes, sizes, etc). 

Durability: Just like Custom Cabinets, Semi-Custom Cabinets also ensure high-quality materials but have a shorter shelf life of 10-12 years.

Cost: Semi-Custom Cabinets are more cost-effective than Custom Cabinets as they are mass-produced and prefabricated. They cost $400 to $650 per linear foot on average.

Installation Process

The process of installing is generally the same for both be it Custom cabinet or Semi-Custom cabinet. This process includes some major steps such as. 

Planning

Deciding the place of cabinets and planning a layout is needed to work effectively.
Search for obstacles and ensure the walls are clean for the proper execution of the plan.

Measure the space and size of cabinets carefully for a proper fit, especially for Custom Cabinets.

Cabinet Installation

• Use levelers or shims to ensure base cabinets are leveled and secured
• Secure cabinets to the wall studs using screws or nails.
  
• Similar to base cabinets, ensure the wall cabinets are leveled and attached to the wall studs securely.
  

Finishing the process

Install hinges and attach doors and drawers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Attach pulls, knobs and other hardware.

Which one to choose?

By understanding the difference, you can decide whether to install Custom or Semi-Custom Cabinets. In case, you are still confused here is an overview.

• If you have irregular space, are willing to do a one-time profitable investment, your top priority is functionality and want things to be done according to your taste, then you should go with Custom Cabinets.
• If you are tight on budget but desire a good quality product and are satisfied with limited customizable options such as size, design and color, then you should opt for Semi-Custom Cabinets.